What is the difference between a detritivore and a decomposer?(1 point)

Question

Responses

While detritivores consume both plants and animals, decomposers only consume dead animals.
While detritivores consume both plants and animals, decomposers only consume dead animals.

While detritivores are heterotrophic, decomposers are autotrophic.
While detritivores are heterotrophic, decomposers are autotrophic.

While detritivores feed on dead organic matter, decomposers actually break down dead or decaying organisms.
While detritivores feed on dead organic matter, decomposers actually break down dead or decaying organisms.

While detritivores consume animals, decomposers only consume plants.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

While detritivores feed on dead organic matter, decomposers actually break down dead or decaying organisms.

Detritivores are organisms that consume dead organic matter (detritus), such as dead plants and animals, while decomposers, mainly bacteria and fungi, break down this organic matter into smaller molecules, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.